By Seth Vertelney

Last season's MVP scored a vital goal for San Jose, as the Quakes look to remain alive in the Western Conference.

Chris Wondolowski's header early in the second half was all the San Jose Earthquakes needed in a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City at Buck Shaw Stadium.

The match was a back and forth affair, as neither team was able to gain a foothold in the game, and clear-cut chances were few and far between.

The Earthquakes opened the scoring 10 minutes into the second half, as Steven Beitashour did well to sidefoot a cross high out of the air with his first touch. The ball floated to Wondolowski in the box, who snapped a header into the near post.

The Quakes have now won five straight home matches, but are still on the outside of the postseason picture in the Western Conference, sitting in seventh place.